Real-Life Weddings on the Space Coast

These Space Coast couples hosted memorable weddings on the Space Coast that were personalized, unique and special.

Chelsea and Brian at the Derby Street Chapel

Real-Life Weddings: Chelsea and Brian

An Intimate Occasion

Photos by Jeff Carr Photography

Chelsea and Brian’s intimate wedding had the couple’s personal touch on every part of the day. The bride designed and created all of the décor and flowers herself, as part of her own floral design business that she started in addition to her full time job as an interior designer with BRPH.

The couple wanted the groom’s love for surfing and the beach to be reflected in their special day but they were looking for something a little more formal than the usual beach wedding. The Derby Street Chapel in Cocoa Village was the perfect location for the ceremony because it was traditional, while still quaint and simple. The reception held at the Pelican Beach Clubhouse was the answer to incorporating the beach. Both venues were a great fit for the guest list of about 65.

Because they wanted to keep the reception intimate as well, they decided to rent audio equipment and make their own playlist. This allowed the couple to have fun music selections like Brian’s favorite, reggae, which they didn’t typically get from a DJ.

“Plus I incorporated all of the ‘first dance’ songs of the bridal party as the slow song selections for the playlist,” Chelsea explained. “It was fun to see everyone get out on the dance floor with their wife/hubby when their song came on.”

The couple met while at work. Though they worked in separate departments so they didn’t interact on a daily basis. That changed when they were both selected to attend a training course and Brian saw an opportunity to get closer to Chelsea. “He had noticed me around the office and when he found out I would be in the training course he asked the IT guys to put his training station next to mine,” Chelsea said. “One thing led to another and we have been together since.”

Vendor List:

Photographer: Jeff Carr Photography

Ceremony venue: Derby Street Chapel

Reception venue: The Pelican Beach Clubhouse

Catering: Renaissance Catering Services

Florals: Flowers by Design (the bride’s company)

Rentals: Rent Your Events (for chiavari chairs)

Hair and makeup: In2yourBeauty Makeup Artistry

Bride’s Dress: Aurora Unique Bridal Boutique

Deirdre and Vince at Up the Creek Farms | Vitalic Photo

Real-Life Weddings: Deirdre and Vince

Soulfully Sweet

Photos by Vitalic Photo

As the owner of an online bake shop for organic, gluten-free and non-GMO goodies, Deirdre had no shortage of sweet treats at her wedding to Vince. Three cakes and cupcakes satisfied every sweet tooth and “Love” was everywhere. The bride hand-painted art work that was displayed gallery style on an interior wall and in various spots throughout the venue. A vintage style, metal, lighted “Love” sign lit up the reception. Deirdre dreamed of getting married in a barn, inspired by her hometown of Leesburg, Virginia. Up the Creek Farms provided the perfect spot for the elegant, rustic feel that the couple was seeking.

The couple met at a business conference and were instantly attracted to each other. Vince told his sister the very next day that he had met the woman of his dreams. “And he certainly turned out to be the man of mine,” Deirdre said.

Vince proposed at the Four Seasons Hotel Bar in New York City on Valentine’s Day. The trip to the bar is a tradition for the couple who drink dirty martinis which is their favorite drink. He popped the question with a ring designed for Deirdre, a perfect heart-shaped pink (her favorite color) sapphire with diamonds surrounding it.

The couple’s wedding day was specially designed for them as well. “It was all very special!” Deirdre said.

Attire: The bride wore a dress by Nicole Miller and the groom wore his own Hugo Boss tux

Karen and Chris at Up the Creek Farms | Caroline Julianna Photography

Real-Life Weddings: Karen and Chris

Simply Charming

Photos by Caroline Julianna Photography

A blind date set up by mutual friends led to love and marriage for Karen and Chris. Their first date was casual, getting to know each other over burgers and beer. Two years later, Chris proposed to Karen in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina at a beautiful waterfall.

Both Karen and Chris grew up in the Grant-Valkaria area, so when it came to selecting a venue, Karen knew where to turn. Her parents are friends with the Tuten family that own Up the Creek Farms in Grant-Valkaria. After seeing a sneak peek of the property before it officially opened, one of her first calls was to Jessica Tuten to book a date once Chris proposed a few months later. Karen knew the property’s historic home and old live oaks was the ideal spot to say “I do.” The couple’s vision of a vintage-inspired wedding with southern charm came to life on September 27.

A cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres was held before the ceremony, allowing guests to relax, mingle and tour the grounds before the formalities began. The bride and groom watched as friends and family arrived from the upstairs windows of the Deklan House. Goat Creek, where Chris grew up fishing, winds around the Up the Creek Farms property. The ceremony took place on the peninsula down by the creek, as it is a nostalgic and special place for him.

“Overall, I love how the whole day turned into a fabulous celebration among near and distant friends and family – some who I haven’t seen in years,” Karen said. “Having everyone we love come together for a joyous occasion meant so much to Chris and I.”

Real-Life Weddings: Tara and Greta Jones-Williams

Beachside Bliss

Photos by Branden Pari

Back in 2004, before Match.com or other popular online dating services were accessible, Greta and Tara met online and began a friendship. They corresponded back and forth for some time and one day a musical connection led to something more. It came up that Tara had never been to a Melissa Etheridge concert and Greta made Tara promise that she could take her to her first. One month later, Greta surprised Tara with tickets to a concert in Orlando. After spending several days together both before and after the concert, Tara only made it back to her layover, in Houston, before she called Tara and told her she was going to give her notice at work and move to Florida.

After nearly 11 years together, six moves, three degrees (Tara), tours in Iraq (Greta), they decided to get married. “We got our marriage license on January 6 and were married on February 14, on our 11 year anniversary.”

They got married on beach to keep the ceremony personal, small and simple. Better Together Weddings coordinated all the wedding day details from florals, photography and décor.

At the end of the ceremony, each guest went to the shoreline and made a wish for the couple, then threw the stone into the water. The celebration continued with a private dinner after the ceremony and Greta even baked their wedding cake.

“My favorite part of the wedding day was seeing Greta for the first time in her wedding attire,” Tara said. “We were alone and were able to steal a couple of minutes without all of the hustle and bustle.”